Let me tell you something about collecting watches that might surprise you - it's not unlike Hazel's journey through the transformed swamplands of Prospero in South of Midnight. When I first started tracking down affordable timepieces here in the Philippines about eight years ago, I felt like Hazel discovering she could see the underlying strands of the world. There's this invisible network of quality, price points, and value that most people completely miss, just like those magical strands Hazel learns to manipulate.
I remember walking through Greenhills Shopping Center back in 2017, completely overwhelmed by the sheer number of watch options. The experience felt strangely similar to Hazel's transformed hometown - familiar yet dangerously confusing, with hidden treasures lurking beside potential disappointments. That's when I discovered Bench watches, and let me be honest here, they're the perfect starting point for anyone diving into watch collection without wanting to drain their savings account. What makes Bench particularly special is how they've managed to create timepieces that feel premium without the premium price tag. I've personally owned about seven different Bench watches over the years, and only one stopped working after I accidentally submerged it during a beach trip - and even then, it lasted three days before finally giving up.
The current price range for Bench watches in the Philippines typically falls between ₱800 to ₱3,500, with their classic analog models averaging around ₱1,200 and their more feature-rich digital sports watches hitting the ₱2,800 mark. Last month, I tracked pricing across fifteen different retailers and found that SM Department Stores consistently offer the best deals, especially during their weekend sales where you can snag a basic Bench watch for as low as ₱750. Online platforms like Lazada and Shopee have competitive pricing too, but you've got to be careful about counterfeit products - I learned this the hard way when I purchased what I thought was a ₱1,500 Bench chronograph only to discover the second hand didn't actually work.
What fascinates me about building a watch collection on a budget is how it mirrors Hazel's bottle-collecting journey. Each timepiece I've acquired represents a different chapter of my life, much like how each magical bottle Hazel creates captures a specific emotional trauma. My first Bench watch was a simple black analog I wore during my college graduation - it cost me ₱950 back in 2016 and still ticks perfectly today, though the leather strap has been replaced twice. There's something deeply satisfying about owning a reliable timepiece that doesn't require financial gymnastics to obtain.
The materials Bench uses genuinely surprise me for the price point. I've disassembled several of their watches (a hobby of mine) and found that their mineral glass crystals are surprisingly scratch-resistant - my daily wear Bench has survived countless accidental bumps against door frames and still looks nearly new. Their stainless steel cases have decent weight to them too, unlike some budget brands that use cheap alloys that discolor over time. I particularly appreciate their attention to strap quality - the silicone bands on their sports models have outlasted more expensive brands I've owned.
Here's my controversial opinion - you don't need to spend ₱10,000 or more to get a quality watch that lasts years. I've conducted what I call the "three-year test" with several watch brands, and Bench consistently outperforms its price category. Of the twelve Bench watches I've tracked among friends and family, eleven are still fully functional after three years of regular use, with only one requiring a battery replacement. Compare that to some fashion watch brands costing three times as much, where I've seen failure rates approaching 40% over the same period.
The secondhand market for Bench watches is surprisingly active too. I frequently browse through Facebook Marketplace and Carousell, and well-maintained Bench models typically retain about 35-50% of their original value. Last month, I sold a limited edition Bench chronograph I purchased for ₱2,200 two years ago for ₱1,100 - not bad for a watch that gave me reliable service throughout my graduate studies. This resale value makes trying out different styles relatively low-risk financially.
What many newcomers don't realize is that Bench frequently releases collaborative collections with popular franchises and artists. I've personally collected three of their special edition watches - my favorite being their collaboration with a local artist that featured traditional Filipino patterns on the dial. These limited runs typically cost between ₱1,800-₱2,500 and often become collector's items. Just last year, I missed out on their anniversary edition and have been kicking myself ever since - it's currently selling for nearly double its original price among collectors.
Maintenance is where Bench really shines for budget-conscious buyers. I've taken my watches to various repair shops across Metro Manila, and the consensus among technicians is that Bench uses relatively standard movements that are inexpensive to service. A full battery replacement and cleaning typically costs me ₱150-₱300, compared to ₱500-₱800 for some international brands. Their widespread availability of parts means you're unlikely to end up with an unfixable timepiece - a common nightmare for watch enthusiasts.
As my collection has grown to include more expensive pieces, I find myself still regularly wearing my Bench watches, especially for casual outings or situations where I don't want to worry about damaging a luxury timepiece. There's a certain freedom in wearing a watch that cost less than ₱2,000 but still looks sharp and keeps perfect time. It reminds me that the true value of a timepiece isn't in its price tag but in the memories it accumulates and the reliability it provides.
Ultimately, building a watch collection should be an enjoyable journey, not a financial burden. Just as Hazel discovers her unique abilities aren't about raw power but about understanding connections, I've learned that curating meaningful timepieces isn't about maximum spending but about recognizing value and personal significance. Bench watches offer that perfect gateway into horology - reliable, stylish, and mercifully affordable. They're the ideal companions for both everyday wear and the beginning of what could become a lifelong passion for tracking time in all its beautiful manifestations.